The world asked.
Pāhoa answered.
Community Managed, Volunteer Operated
Hawaii was built by volcanoes, and remains the world's premiere
destination to observe this amazing force of nature in action.
In 2018, earthquakes from an unprecedented eruption damaged the popular Thomas A. Jaggar Museum in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Meanwhile, neighborhoods near
historic Pahoa town were being overtaken by rivers of lava.
The whole world was watching, and those able to visit were now without the
Jaggar museum (which remains closed), or National Park.
Exhibit props from Jaggar were saved and put in the care of the Mainstreet Pahoa Association, a non-profit organization working on behalf of local businesses and the historic Pahoa town community. Volunteers opened the Pahoa Lava Zone Museum as quickly as possible to accommodate both an influx of visitors, and the rescued Jaggar exhibit props.
Pahoa Lava Zone Museum remains operated entirely by community volunteers, and houses volcanic artifacts, cultural art, and historical information for all visitors to enjoy. The museum is funded entirely by donations, so please consider donating by clicking below.
Media Links
Announcement of partnership with Mainstreet Pahoa by National Park Service
Museum opens today in Pahoa | Hawaii Tribune Herald hawaiitribune-herald.com
New Lava Zone Museum gives students more info | Hawaii Tribune-Herald (hawaiitribune-herald.com)
Parade and lava museum revive hopes for Pahoa’s future | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
A trio of new museums to explore in Hawaii: Travel Weekly